Jackson Hewitt vs. H&R Block: Which Is Right for You?
Last updated 08/21/2025 by
Ante MazalinEdited by
Andrew LathamSummary:
Jackson Hewitt and H&R Block are two prominent names among tax preparation services, offering both in-person assistance and online filing options. This comprehensive comparison delves into the details of each service, including features, costs, and user experience, to help you make an informed decision for your tax filing needs.
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Jackson Hewitt vs. H&R Block tax prep
While preparing your tax returns online has become the norm for most taxpayers, some people prefer to have a professional help them with their taxes. Jackson Hewitt and H&R Block are two popular tax prep options that allow filers to get in-person tax return assistance. This can be useful for taxpayers who have complicated tax returns or those unfamiliar with the tax filing process. Both firms also offer online tax preparation options for taxpayers who feel more comfortable using a DIY approach.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Jackson Hewitt | H&R Block |
|---|---|---|
| Federal Basic Price | $0 | $0 |
| Federal Standard Price | $49.95 | $0 |
| Federal Premium Price | $49.99 | $84.99 |
| Federal Basic + State Price | $49.99 | $0 |
| State Return Price | $36.99 | $36.99 |
| State Return Availability | $0 - $36.99 | $0 - $36.99 |
| Filing Options | File In Store, File Online | File In Store, File Online |
| Software Offerings | Desktop Software | Desktop Software |
| Tax Preparation Types | Business, Personal | Business, Personal |
| Tax Prep Differentiators | IRS Free File, Automatic Error Detection, Tax Deduction Finder, Audit Support | Automatic Error Detection, Tax Deduction Finder, Audit Support, IRS Free File |
| SuperMoney User Score | strongly not recommended | mostly not recommended |
Jackson Hewitt
Jackson Hewitt, headquartered in New Jersey, is one of the largest tax prep companies in the United States, processing around two million tax returns annually. The company provides two primary methods for filing taxes:
- In-person assistance: With approximately 5,200 locations nationwide, including 2,600 within Walmart stores, Jackson Hewitt offers face-to-face consultations with tax professionals. Clients can choose to sit down with a tax preparer and provide necessary documents or opt for a drop-off service.
- Online filing: For taxpayers who prefer the convenience of online tax preparation, Jackson Hewitt’s user-friendly software enables individuals to complete and file their returns digitally. The online platform offers step-by-step guidance, live chat support, and an accuracy checker.
Regardless of the filing method chosen, Jackson Hewitt’s tax preparation services come with a range of guarantees, including the following:
- Maximum refund guarantee: If a client receives a larger refund or a smaller tax bill with another tax prep company, Jackson Hewitt refunds their federal return fees plus an additional $100.
- Lifetime accuracy guarantee: In the event of IRS audit-related penalties or interest charges resulting from an error in Jackson Hewitt’s software, the company covers the associated fees.
- 24/7 access and year-round service: Clients benefit from round-the-clock access to their documents through online data storage, along with ongoing support beyond the tax season.
H&R Block
H&R Block operates in the United States, Canada, and Australia with a vast network of over 12,000 locations, approximately 9,000 of which are in the U.S. The company offers two primary methods for tax filing:
- In-person assistance: Clients can choose to work with a tax professional through various channels, including face-to-face meetings, virtual consultations, or drop-off services.
- Online filing: H&R Block’s online platform caters to individuals seeking a DIY approach to tax preparation. The software guides users through each section of their return and offers packages tailored to different tax situations.
Similar to Jackson Hewitt, H&R Block’s tax preparation services are backed by guarantees:
- Max refund guarantee: If clients obtain a larger tax refund elsewhere, H&R Block refunds their tax filing fees.
- No surprise guarantee: Clients are informed of their tax prep fees upfront, which ensures transparency and eliminates unexpected costs.
Cost comparison: Jackson Hewitt vs. H&R Block
When comparing costs, Jackson Hewitt and H&R Block both provide federal and state tax filing options, but pricing structures differ.
Jackson Hewitt federal pricing ranges from $0 (Basic) to (Self-Employed). A bundled federal + state option is available for $49.99, and standalone state returns cost $36.99. Jackson Hewitt supports both File In Store and File Online methods, though in-person costs can vary by location.
H&R Block offers federal plans starting at $0 and going up to , with state returns priced at $36.99. A federal + state bundle is available at $0. Unlike Jackson Hewitt, H&R Block’s transparent pricing guarantee is standardized across locations, and clients know their costs upfront. Filing options include both File In Store and File Online.
Ultimately, Jackson Hewitt often appeals to cost-conscious filers with its flat-fee online option and competitive bundles, while H&R Block emphasizes pricing transparency and nationwide availability.
Key Differences
- Federal pricing: Jackson Hewitt ranges from $0 to ; H&R Block ranges from $0 to .
- Federal + State bundle: Jackson Hewitt: $49.99 vs H&R Block: $0.
- State filing cost: Jackson Hewitt: $36.99; H&R Block: $36.99.
- State availability: Jackson Hewitt: $0 - $36.99; H&R Block: $0 - $36.99.
- Filing options: Both support File In Store and File Online.
- Software offerings: Jackson Hewitt: Desktop Software; H&R Block: Desktop Software.
- Differentiators: Jackson Hewitt (IRS Free File, Automatic Error Detection, Tax Deduction Finder, Audit Support) vs H&R Block (Automatic Error Detection, Tax Deduction Finder, Audit Support, IRS Free File).
- User ratings: Jackson Hewitt strongly not recommended vs H&R Block mostly not recommended.
Preparing for tax filing
Depending on how complicated your tax situation is, you may have multiple documents that you either need to give to your in-person tax professional or have handy if you’re filling out your taxes online. It’s a good idea to make a checklist of everything you need and then store all of these documents in one place. The following are some examples of tax-filing documents you made need:
- W-2s for all jobs that withhold taxes for you
- Form 1099-K, 1099-MISC, or other income statement for workers in the gig economy
- Forms 1099 from banks, issuing agencies, and other payers including unemployment compensation, dividends, or distributions from a pension, annuity, or retirement plan
- Form 1099-INT for interest received
- Form 1095-A, Health Insurance Marketplace Statement (if you have health insurance from HealthCare.gov)
- Form 1098-E for student loan interest
- Form 1098 showing any mortgage interest, mortgage insurance premiums, and real estate taxes you paid during the tax year
- Documentation from rental income
- Documents related to any deductions or tax credits you may be eligible for
You’ll also need to make sure you have your Social Security number or tax ID number, any dependents’ information, and your bank account and routing number for direct deposits. Keep in mind that you can still get a paper check from the IRS if you prefer (or if you don’t have a checking account), but it is faster and safer to have your check deposited directly into your account.
What’s Next
Want to take a closer look at each provider before you decide? Check out the full reviews for Jackson Hewitt and H&R Block to compare detailed pricing, filing options, and real user ratings:
- Jackson Hewitt Review — Federal pricing from $0 to , with state returns at $36.99.
- H&R Block Review — Federal pricing from $0 to , with state returns at $36.99.
Interested in exploring more matchups? Check out these comparisons:
- TaxSlayer vs TurboTax — Compare TurboTax’s guided features with TaxSlayer’s affordability.
- TurboTax vs H&R Block — See how TurboTax stacks up against H&R Block’s nationwide network.
- TurboTax vs FreeTaxUSA — Feature-rich filing compared to low-cost online returns.
- TurboTax vs. eFile — Compare TurboTax’s guided filing experience with eFile’s affordable, streamlined tax prep tools.
Still undecided? Browse our Tax Preparation Software hub to compare all major tax prep providers side by side and find the one that fits your needs best.
FAQ
Which company has more locations?
Both providers support File In Store and File Online (see “Filing Options”). For availability near you, check each provider’s site.
Do both companies offer guarantees?
Each highlights support features in the “Tax Prep Differentiators” row. Jackson Hewitt: IRS Free File, Automatic Error Detection, Tax Deduction Finder, Audit Support. H&R Block: Automatic Error Detection, Tax Deduction Finder, Audit Support, IRS Free File.
How do their federal prices compare?
Jackson Hewitt ranges from $0 (Basic) to (Self‑Employed). H&R Block ranges from $0 to .
What will I pay for state returns?
Jackson Hewitt state returns cost $36.99, while H&R Block state returns cost $36.99. Both also list a Federal + State bundle: Jackson Hewitt $49.99; H&R Block $0.
Do they handle both business and personal taxes?
Yes — the “Tax Preparation Types” row shows both support Business and Personal filings.
Key takeaways
- Jackson Hewitt federal pricing ranges from $0 to , while H&R Block ranges from $0 to .
- State returns cost $36.99 with Jackson Hewitt vs $36.99 with H&R Block. Both also offer federal + state bundles.
- Both providers support File In Store and File Online options and handle Business and Personal tax preparation.
- Differentiators: Jackson Hewitt — IRS Free File, Automatic Error Detection, Tax Deduction Finder, Audit Support; H&R Block — Automatic Error Detection, Tax Deduction Finder, Audit Support, IRS Free File.
- User scores: Jackson Hewitt strongly not recommended vs H&R Block mostly not recommended.
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